WHAT’S THE STORY?

Editor’s note: Today in “What’s the Story?” we answer a question from a reader who wants to know why the American flag is not flown in the highest position at the Fond du Lac Yacht Club.

At the Fond du Lac Yacht Club, the American Flag is flown below the yacht club’s flag in the four flag configuration.

This is unusual because, according to the United States Flag Code, the American flag should be flown higher than other flags in most scenarios.

However, CommodoreJim Zitzelsberger of the Fond du Lac Yacht Club said that isn’t the case for ships and yacht clubs.

“It’s there because that’s the way it is handled on ships in that configuration,” Zitzelsberger explained.

The Fond du Lac Yacht Club uses a nautical-style flag pole that includes a yardarm (crosstree) and gaff, which is representative of the ones used on ships. Zitzelsberger said that although the mast is the highest point on a ship, the gaff is actually the position of honor.

Chapter 8 of the U.S. Naval Telecommunications Procedures for Flags, Pennants & Customs Section 801b.(4) states that on a pole using a yardarm and gaff configuration, the American Flag should be flown at the peak of the gaff.

According to the NTP, this configuration is commonly refereed to as a “yacht club mast.”

“It’s absolutely the way it is supposed to be,” Zitzelsberger said.

American Legion Sixth District Commander Jeff Puddy confirmed that the display is acceptable because of the yardarm and gaff arrangement.

“That is the only time that this is allowed that I can find,” Puddy said.

Zitzelsberger said this question comes up every few years as people forget and new leadership takes over at the Yacht Club.

According to United States Power Squadrons, a non-profit organization dedicated to nautical education, the gaff-rigged pole has its origins at sea during the 18th century. The organization’s website states that because of the many sails carried by the rigging of these vessels, the national flag could not be clearly seen if it was placed at the top of the mast, so over time the gaff became the position of honor.